U.S. patent application number 12/815712 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-24 for image data and annotation processing system.
Invention is credited to Scott Baker, Stefan LautenschLager, Danyu Liu.
Application Number | 20110072397 12/815712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43757719 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110072397 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baker; Scott ; et
al. |
March 24, 2011 |
Image Data and Annotation Processing System
Abstract
A system automatically detects objects in an image and
automatically displays a chosen object if the object is not
currently visible in real time. An image data processing system
automatically displays potentially hidden features in 3D (three
dimensional) medical image data. A repository includes a 3D (three
dimensional) image dataset representing an anatomical volume of
interest. An image data processor processes the dataset retrieved
from the repository by, (a) automatically detecting if a first
object is obscured by a second object in the 3D image dataset, (b)
automatically determining if the first object is visible by
rotating the anatomical volume of interest and (c) rotating the
anatomical volume of interest until the first object is visible in
response to a command. A display processor initiates display of the
rotated anatomical volume of interest.
Inventors: |
Baker; Scott; (Edwardsburg,
MI) ; Liu; Danyu; (Hanover Park, IL) ;
LautenschLager; Stefan; (Hausen, DE) |
Family ID: |
43757719 |
Appl. No.: |
12/815712 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61244596 |
Sep 22, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/852 ;
715/849 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06T 2219/004 20130101;
G06T 19/00 20130101; G06T 2219/2016 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/852 ;
715/849 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048 |
Claims
1. An image data processing system for automatically displaying
potentially hidden features in 3D (three dimensional) medical image
data, comprising: a repository including a 3D (three dimensional)
image dataset representing an anatomical volume of interest; an
image data processor for processing said 3D image dataset retrieved
from said repository by, (a) automatically detecting if a first
object is obscured by a second object in the 3D image dataset, (b)
automatically determining if said first object is visible by
rotating said anatomical volume of interest and (c) rotating said
anatomical volume of interest until said first object is visible in
response to a command; and a display processor for initiating
display of the rotated anatomical volume of interest.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said command is
automatically generated by the image data processor.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein said command is a user
initiated command.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said first object is an
annotation object and said second object is at least one of (a) an
anatomical object, (b) an annotation object and (c) said anatomical
volume of interest.
5. A system according to claim 1, wherein in response to said image
data processor determining said first object will not be made
visible by rotating the anatomical volume of interest, said image
data processor initiates generation of data representing an image
cross-section through said anatomical volume of interest and
showing said first object.
6. A system according to claim 1, wherein said image data processor
initiates said processing of said 3D image dataset in response to
user selection of an item representing said first object in a
window displaying a list of objects.
7. A system according to claim 1, wherein said image data processor
automatically initiates said processing of said 3D image dataset in
response to a user command to at least one of, (a) access a file
related to said anatomical volume of interest and (b) display an
image representing said anatomical volume of interest.
8. A system according to claim 1, wherein said display processor
initiates display of an image including a message indicating said
first object is hidden and enabling a user to initiate viewing of
said first object.
9. A system according to claim 1, wherein said display processor
initiates display of an image window including a message indicating
said first object is hidden and an image window including a display
item enabling a user to initiate viewing of said first object.
10. A system according to claim 1, wherein said image data
processor automatically detects if said first object is obscured by
said second object in the 3D image dataset, by determining an
intersection of a projection line and said second object is nearer
a display screen than an intersection of said projection line and
said first object.
11. A system according to claim 1, wherein said first object is an
annotation object, said second object is said anatomical volume of
interest and said image data processor automatically detects if
said first object is obscured by said second object in the 3D image
dataset, by determining an intersection of a projection line and
said volume of interest is nearer a display screen than an
intersection of said projection line and said annotation
object.
12. A system according to claim 1, wherein said image data
processor automatically determines if said first object is visible
by rotating the anatomical volume of interest by determining an
intersection of a projection line and said first object becomes
nearer a display screen than an intersection of said projection
line and said second object, in response to rotating said volume of
interest.
13. A system according to claim 12, wherein said first object is an
annotation object and said second object is said anatomical volume
of interest.
14. A system according to claim 1, wherein said image data
processor automatically, iteratively and incrementally rotates said
volume of interest until said first object is visible by
determining when an intersection of said first object and a
projection line is nearer a display screen than an intersection of
said second object and said projection line.
15. A system according to claim 14, wherein said first object is an
annotation object and said second object is at least one of, (a) an
anatomical object, (b) an annotation object and (c) said anatomical
volume of interest.
16. A system according to claim 1, wherein said image data
processor automatically detects if said first object cannot be made
visible by rotation of said volume of interest by determining
intersection points of a projection line and said second object
encompass an intersection point of said projection line and said
first object.
17. An image data processing system for automatically displaying
potentially hidden features in 3D (three dimensional) medical image
data, comprising: a repository including a 3D (three dimensional)
image dataset representing an anatomical volume of interest; an
image data processor for processing said 3D image dataset retrieved
from said repository by, (a) automatically detecting if a first
object is obscured by a second object in the 3D image dataset by
determining an intersection of a projection line and said second
object is nearer a display screen than an intersection of said
projection line and said first object, (b) automatically
determining if said first object is visible by rotating said
anatomical volume of interest and (c) rotating said anatomical
volume of interest until said first object is visible in response
to a command; and a display processor for initiating display of the
rotated anatomical volume of interest.
18. A system according to claim 17, wherein said first object is an
annotation object and said second object is at least one of, (a) an
anatomical object, (b) an annotation object and (c) said anatomical
volume of interest and said image data processor automatically
determines if said first object is visible by rotating the
anatomical volume of interest by determining an intersection of
said projection line and said first object becomes nearer a display
screen than an intersection of said projection line and said second
object, in response to rotating said volume of interest.
19. A method employed by an image data processing system for
automatically displaying potentially hidden features in 3D (three
dimensional) medical image data, comprising the activities of:
employing a repository including a 3D (three dimensional) image
dataset representing an anatomical volume of interest; processing
said 3D image dataset retrieved from said repository by, (a)
automatically detecting if a first object is obscured by a second
object in the 3D image dataset, (b) automatically determining if
said first object is visible by rotating said anatomical volume of
interest and (c) rotating said anatomical volume of interest until
said first object is visible in response to a command; and
initiating display of the rotated anatomical volume of
interest.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said activity of
automatically detecting if a first object is obscured by a second
object in the 3D image dataset comprises automatically determining
an intersection of a projection line and said second object is
nearer a display screen than an intersection of said projection
line and said first object and said activity of automatically
determining if said first object is visible by rotating said
anatomical volume of interest comprises automatically determining
if said first object is visible by rotating the anatomical volume
of interest by determining an intersection of said projection line
and said first object becomes nearer a display screen than an
intersection of said projection line and said second object, in
response to rotating said volume of interest.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein said first object is an
annotation object and said second object is at least one of, (a) an
anatomical object, (b) an annotation object and (c) said anatomical
volume of interest.
Description
[0001] This is a non-provisional application of provisional
application Ser. No. 61/244,596 filed 22 Sep. 2009, by S. Baker et
al.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention concerns an image data processing system for
automatically displaying potentially hidden features in 3D (three
dimensional) medical image data by automatically detecting if an
object is obscured by another object and rotating a 3D volume to
reveal hidden features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In known medical image processing systems, a user is able to
create a mesh that defines an edge of a volume of interest (e.g., a
heart chamber) in a 3D image. Upon defining a mesh, the user is
able to place annotation objects to mark places of interest. These
annotation objects, which are themselves 3D mesh objects, can be
placed either on the mesh or inside of the chamber hidden by the
mesh outlining the chamber. Obscuring annotation objects in a
medical or other type of image is likely to cause a problem and
render the user unaware of potentially important objects. Known
systems may allow opacity of the chamber mesh in the image to be
reduced to promote visibility of the annotation. However reducing
opacity reduces contrast level and visibility of features in the
image. A system according to invention principles addresses these
deficiencies and related problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A system automatically detects objects (e.g., annotation
objects) in an image, provides a list of placed objects and in real
time automatically displays a chosen object if the object is not
currently visible. An image data processing system automatically
displays potentially hidden features in 3D (three dimensional)
medical image data. A repository includes a 3D (three dimensional)
image dataset representing an anatomical volume of interest. An
image data processor processes the dataset retrieved from the
repository by, (a) automatically detecting if a first object is
obscured by a second object in the 3D image dataset, (b)
automatically determining if the first object is visible by
rotating the anatomical volume of interest and (c) rotating the
anatomical volume of interest until the first object is visible in
response to a command. A display processor initiates display of the
rotated anatomical volume of interest.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0005] FIG. 1 shows an image data processing system for
automatically displaying potentially hidden features in 3D (three
dimensional) medical image data, according to invention
principles.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows a flowchart used by an image data processing
system for automatically displaying potentially hidden features in
3D (three dimensional) medical image data, according to invention
principles.
[0007] FIGS. 3-10 illustrate how the system processes annotation
objects and show an annotation object and an outline indicating
where a mesh is located on a plane including a line (Line_ER)
orthogonal to a monitor, as follows.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates processing of the system when an
annotation object is already visible, according to invention
principles.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates automatic real time determination that an
annotation object is located inside a mesh and will not be made
visible by rotation and initiation of generation of data
representing an image cross-section through the anatomical volume
of interest to show the annotation object, according to invention
principles.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows an image cross-section through the anatomical
volume of interest to show the annotation object of FIG. 4,
according to invention principles.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates automatic real time determination that an
annotation object is hidden but not surrounded by a mesh and is
visible upon rotation of a volume of interest, according to
invention principles.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates rotation of the volume of interest of
FIG. 6 so that the annotation object is visible, according to
invention principles.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a hidden annotation object that is hidden
but not completely surrounded by a mesh, according to invention
principles.
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates an updated scene including a hidden but
not completely surrounded object, according to invention
principles.
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates automatic real time determination that a
chosen object is currently visible, according to invention
principles.
[0016] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a process employed by an image
data processing system, for automatically displaying potentially
hidden features in 3D (three dimensional) medical image data,
according to invention principles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The inventors have advantageously recognized a need for a
system to detect objects in an image, provide a list of placed
objects and to automatically display a chosen object if the object
is not currently visible in real time. In contrast in known systems
a user typically has to manually search for an object which is time
consuming and burdensome. A system automatically detects objects
(e.g., annotation objects) in an image, provides a list of placed
objects and automatically displays a chosen object if the object is
not currently visible in real time. Although the invention is
described in the context of enabling an annotation object to be
visible, any object or feature may be made visible by the system.
The system simplifies a user workflow and reduces the time needed
to perform image interpretation by substantially eliminating a need
for a manual search for (e.g., annotation) objects. In one
embodiment, the system generates a cross-section through an object
parallel to a viewing screen. In another embodiment, the system
automatically reduces the opacity of a heart chamber mesh, for
example, so that annotation objects can be seen, however if
multiple annotation objects are present, one or more objects may
still be obscured.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows image data processing system 10 for
automatically displaying potentially hidden features in 3D (three
dimensional) medical image data. System 10 includes one or more
processing devices (e.g., computers, workstations or portable
devices such as notebooks, Personal Digital Assistants, phones) 12
that individually include a user interface (e.g., a cursor) device
26 such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, voice data entry and
interpretation device, at least one display monitor 19, display
processor 36 and memory 28. System 10 also includes at least one
repository 17 and server 20 intercommunicating via network 21.
Display processor 36 provides data representing display images
comprising a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for presentation on at
least one display 19 of processing device 12 in response to user
commands entered using device 26. At least one repository 17 stores
2D and 3D image datasets comprising medical image studies for
multiple patients in DICOM compatible (or other) data format. A
medical image study individually includes multiple image series of
a patient anatomical portion which in turn individually include
multiple images.
[0019] Server 20 includes image data processor 15. In alternative
arrangements, image data processor 15 may be located in device 12
or in another device connected to network 21. Repository 17
includes a 3D (three dimensional) image dataset representing an
anatomical volume of interest. Image data processor 15 processes
the dataset retrieved from repository 17 by, (a) automatically
detecting if a first object is obscured by a second object in the
3D image dataset, (b) automatically determining if the first object
is visible by rotating the anatomical volume of interest and (c)
rotating the anatomical volume of interest until the first object
is visible in response to a command. Display processor 36 initiates
display of the rotated anatomical volume of interest.
[0020] FIGS. 3-10 show different scenarios that occur with respect
to annotations objects being placed around a mesh and how system 10
processes the annotation objects. A 3D image viewer application
enables a user to create image volume segmentations that result in
meshes that surround chambers of interest. For example, for a CT
(computed tomography) anatomical imaging dataset of the heart, a
user can segment out a Left Atrium in order to identify an edge of
the left atrium chamber. A user places annotation objects (e.g.,
ablation points) to mark places of interest on a created mesh.
Annotation points may mark places at which a reading of electrical
properties is desired, or indicate places to ablate, for example.
As each annotation point is added to a mesh, information about the
point is also automatically added to a list in a dialog associated
with the annotation point. In one embodiment a user is able to
select a point from the dialog list and select a "Go To" button in
order to adjust views to display the selected annotation.
[0021] In FIGS. 3-10, Line_ER (line) 303 is an eye ray (to a viewer
eye) that is projected from the front of monitor screen 315 at an
eye position 310 through the centroid of an annotation object being
analyzed to the back of the current volume space perpendicular to
monitor screen 315. Each Figure shows one annotation object and an
outline indicating where mesh 305 is located on a plane containing
Line_ER 303 that is orthogonal to monitor screen 315. Small circles
320 and 323 identify intersections of Line_ER 303 and mesh 305. In
a 3 dimensional scene, an annotation object is visible when an
intersection point of line 303 and the object is nearer to the eye
than other meshes or annotation objects in the scene. Line 303
comprises a line connecting the centroid of the annotation object
and eye. An annotation object is hidden whenever it is not
visible.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a flowchart used by image data processing
system 10 (FIG. 1) for automatically displaying potentially hidden
features in 3D (three dimensional) medical image data. A user
selects an annotation object to be displayed in step 206 (FIG. 2)
following presentation in step 203 of a mesh that defines an edge
of a volume of interest (e.g., a heart chamber) in a 3D image and
associated annotations. FIGS. 3 and 10 illustrate processing by
system 10 (FIG. 1) in the case that annotation object 307 is
already visible. In step 209, image data processor 15 (FIG. 1)
calculates a line projection from eye position 310 through the
centroid of the annotation object 307 being analyzed to the back of
the volume space perpendicular to monitor screen 315.
[0023] In step 213 image data processor 15 determines a closest
intersection point of projection line 303 and mesh 305. FIG. 10
illustrates automatic real time determination by image data
processor 15 that a chosen object 307 is currently visible. The
location of the eye POS_EYE 310 is determined by a projected
location along line 303 of the centroid of the annotation object on
the screen. Line 303 connects POS_EYE 310 with the centroid of the
annotation object and continues toward the back of the volume. The
point PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID 320 is the nearest intersected
point between the line 303 and mesh 305 of the annotation object.
If there are no other meshes or annotation objects that intersect
line 303 closer to POS_EYE 310 than PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID, the
PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID is visible, otherwise, it is hidden. In
automatically displaying hidden objects processor 15 determines if
the computed PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID can be displayed as a
visible object by rotating the scene (volume), the system
determines if PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID is the furthest
intersection of line 303 and mesh 305 and objects in the scene. If
so, the scene can be rotated so that the object of interest is
visible. If processor 15 determines PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID
cannot be made visible by rotating the scene, processor 15
automatically displays a cross-section through the object
perpendicular to line 303 and shifted so that the plane of the
cross-section contains the centroid of the object. Image data
processor 15 determines the following coordinates: [0024] POS_EYE
310=(0,0,0) [0025] PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID 307=(10, 0, 0) [0026]
PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 1 320=(16, 0, 0) [0027] PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH
2 323=(60, 0, 0)
[0028] Therefore the distance between POS_EYE 310 and
PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID 307 is 10 units. The distance between
POS_EYE 310 and PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 1320 is 16 units and the
distance between POS_EYE 310 and PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 2 323 is 60
units. Since the distance from POS_EYE to PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID
is less than the distance to either of the mesh intersection
points, processor 15 in step 217 determines object 307 is closer to
screen 315 than the closest mesh intersection point 320 and the
annotation is already visible. The intersections of Line_ER 320 and
323 and mesh 305 occur at a greater distance from monitor screen
315 than annotation object 307. So in this case image data
processor 15 determines in step 219 nothing else needs to be done
for the annotation to be displayed.
[0029] In step 217, if image data processor 15 determines the
distance from POS_EYE to PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID is not less than
the distance to either of the mesh intersection points, processor
15 in step 217 determines an object is not closer to screen 315
than the closest mesh intersection point and that the annotation is
not visible in step 223. In one case, processor 15 in step 225
determines intersection points 320 and 323 of projection line 303
and mesh 305 are less than and further away than an intersection
point of line 303 and the object i.e. points 320 and 323 encompass
the object.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates automatic real time determination that an
annotation object is located inside a mesh and will not be made
visible by rotation. In response to this determination, processor
15 initiates generation of data representing an image cross-section
through the anatomical volume of interest to show the annotation
object. First intersection 320 of line 303 and the mesh 305 occurs
at a lesser distance from monitor screen 315 than an intersection
of line 303 and annotation object 327, and another intersection 323
of line 303 and mesh 305 occurs at a greater distance from screen
315 than an intersection of line 303 and annotation object 327.
Image data processor 15 determines the following coordinates:
[0031] POS_EYE 310=(0,0,0) [0032] PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID
327=(20, 0, 0) [0033] PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 1 320=(16, 0, 0) [0034]
PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 2 323=(60, 0, 0)
[0035] Therefore the distance between POS_EYE 310 and
PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID 327 is 20 units. The distance between
POS_EYE 310 and PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 1 320 is 16 units and the
distance between POS_EYE 310 and PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 2 323 is 60
units. Since the distance from POS_EYE 310 to
PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID 327 is greater than the distance to one
of the mesh intersection points (PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 1 320) but
less than the distance to another mesh intersection point
(PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 2 323), processor 15 determines that object
327 is surrounded by mesh 305 and mesh 305 cannot be rotated to
display object 327. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 5 processor
15 in step 228 displays an image cross-section 350 through mesh 305
comprising an anatomical volume of interest to show annotation
object 327 of FIG. 4. Cross-section 350 cuts through the centroid
of annotation object 327 and is parallel to monitor screen 315.
[0036] In a further case, processor 15 in step 225 determines
intersection points of projection line 303 and mesh 305 do not
encompass an intersection point of line 303 and an object. FIG. 6
illustrates automatic real time determination that annotation
object 337 is hidden but not surrounded by a mesh and is visible
upon rotation of a volume of interest. Image data processor 15
determines that intersections 320 and 323 of line 303 and mesh 305
occur at a lesser distance from screen monitor 315 than an
intersection of line 303 and annotation object 337. Image data
processor 15 determines the following coordinates: [0037] POS_EYE
310=(0,0,0) [0038] PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID 337=(63, 0, 0) [0039]
PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 1 320=(16, 0, 0) [0040] PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH
2 323=(60, 0, 0)
[0041] Therefore, the distance between POS_EYE 310 and
PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID 337 is 63 units. The distance between
POS_EYE 310 and PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 1 320 is 16 units, the
distance between POS_EYE 310 and PT_INTERSECT_EYE_MESH 2 323 is 60
units. Since the distance from POS_EYE 310 to
PT_INTERSECT_EYE_CENTROID 337 is greater than the distance to both
of the mesh 305 intersection points, processor 15 determines
annotation object 337 is currently not visible but mesh 305 can be
rotated in order to display the annotation. Processor 15 in step
231 rotates the volume including mesh 305 and object 337 180
degrees in order to make object 337 visible. FIG. 7 illustrates
rotation of the volume of interest of FIG. 6 so that object 337 is
visible.
[0042] FIG. 8 shows that object 347 is hidden but not completely
surrounded by mesh 305. Image data processor 15 determines that a
rotation of the volume by 180 degrees will not make the object
visible and treats the object as being completely surrounded by the
mesh, FIG. 9 illustrates an updated scene including a hidden but
not completely surrounded object. As displayed in the system treats
the annotation object as if it was completely surrounded by the
mesh and generates an image cross-section 373 through the
anatomical volume of interest to show annotation object 347 of FIG.
8. In another embodiment processor 15 automatically, iteratively
and incrementally rotates the volume until the object is visible by
determining when an intersection of object 347 and line 303 is
nearer screen 315 than intersection of mesh 305 with line 303.
[0043] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a process employed by image
data processing system 10 (FIG. 1), for automatically displaying
potentially hidden features in 3D (three dimensional) medical image
data. In step 915 following the start at step 911, system 10
employs repository 17 for storing a 3D (three dimensional) image
dataset representing an anatomical volume of interest. In step 917
image data processor 15 retrieves the 3D image dataset from
repository 17. Image data processor 15 in step 919 processes the
retrieved 3D image dataset by automatically detecting if a first
object is obscured by a second object in the 3D image dataset by
determining an intersection of a projection line and the second
object is nearer a display screen than an intersection of the
projection line and the first object. In one embodiment the first
object is an annotation object and the second object is at least
one of, (a) an anatomical object, (b) an annotation object and (c)
the anatomical volume of interest. Image data processor 15
automatically initiates the processing of the 3D image dataset in
response to a user command to at least one of, (a) access a file
related to the anatomical volume of interest, (b) display an image
representing the anatomical volume of interest and (c) user
selection of an item representing the first object in a window
displaying a list of objects. In response to image data processor
15 determining the first object will not be made visible by
rotating the anatomical volume of interest, the image data
processor initiates generation of data representing an image
cross-section through the anatomical volume of interest and showing
the first object. Further, image data processor 15 automatically
detects if the first object cannot be made visible by rotation of
the volume of interest by determining intersection points of a
projection line and the second object encompass an intersection
point of the projection line and the first object. In addition in
one embodiment, image data processor 15 automatically, iteratively
and incrementally rotates the volume of interest until the first
object is visible by determining when an intersection of the first
object and a projection line is nearer a display screen than an
intersection of the second object and the projection line.
[0044] In step 923, processor 15 automatically determines if the
first object is visible by rotating the anatomical volume of
interest by determining an intersection of the projection line and
the first object becomes nearer a display screen than an
intersection of the projection line and the second object, in
response to rotating the volume of interest.
[0045] In step 925, processor 15 rotates the anatomical volume of
interest until the first object is visible in response to a
command. The command is automatically generated by image data
processor 15 or is a user initiated command. Display processor 36
in step 929 initiates display of the rotated anatomical volume of
interest. Display processor 36 initiates display of an image window
including a message indicating the first object is hidden and an
image window including a display item enabling a user to initiate
viewing of the first object. The process of FIG. 11 terminates at
step 931.
[0046] A processor as used herein is a device for executing
machine-readable instructions stored on a computer readable medium,
for performing tasks and may comprise any one or combination of,
hardware and firmware. A processor may also comprise memory storing
machine-readable instructions executable for performing tasks. A
processor acts upon information by manipulating, analyzing,
modifying, converting or transmitting information for use by an
executable procedure or an information device, and/or by routing
the information to an output device. A processor may use or
comprise the capabilities of a controller or microprocessor, for
example, and is conditioned using executable instructions to
perform special purpose functions not performed by a general
purpose computer. A processor may be coupled (electrically and/or
as comprising executable components) with any other processor
enabling interaction and/or communication there-between. A user
interface processor or generator is a known element comprising
electronic circuitry or software or a combination of both for
generating display images or portions thereof. A user interface
comprises one or more display images enabling user interaction with
a processor or other device.
[0047] An executable application, as used herein, comprises code or
machine readable instructions for conditioning the processor to
implement predetermined functions, such as those of an operating
system, a context data acquisition system or other information
processing system, for example, in response to user command or
input. An executable procedure is a segment of code or machine
readable instruction, sub-routine, or other distinct section of
code or portion of an executable application for performing one or
more particular processes. These processes may include receiving
input data and/or parameters, performing operations on received
input data and/or performing functions in response to received
input parameters, and providing resulting output data and/or
parameters. A user interface (UI), as used herein, comprises one or
more display images, generated by a user interface processor and
enabling user interaction with a processor or other device and
associated data acquisition and processing functions.
[0048] The UI also includes an executable procedure or executable
application. The executable procedure or executable application
conditions the user interface processor to generate signals
representing the UI display images. These signals are supplied to a
display device which displays the image for viewing by the user.
The executable procedure or executable application further receives
signals from user input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, light
pen, touch screen or any other means allowing a user to provide
data to a processor. The processor, under control of an executable
procedure or executable application, manipulates the UI display
images in response to signals received from the input devices. In
this way, the user interacts with the display image using the input
devices, enabling user interaction with the processor or other
device. The functions and process steps herein may be performed
automatically or wholly or partially in response to user command.
An activity (including a step) performed automatically is performed
in response to executable instruction or device operation without
user direct initiation of the activity.
[0049] The system and processes of FIGS. 1-11 are not exclusive.
Other systems, processes and image controls may be derived in
accordance with the principles of the invention to accomplish the
same objectives. Although this invention has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are for
illustration purposes only. Modifications to the current design may
be implemented by those skilled in the art, without departing from
the scope of the invention. The system advantageously determines if
an annotation object is hidden by determining what objects
intersect a line and by determining the best way to adjust the
scene (e.g., by rotation or by generation of a cross-section) to
make the object of interest visible. Further, the processes and
applications may, in alternative embodiments, be located on one or
more (e.g., distributed) processing devices on a network linking
the units of FIG. 1. Any of the functions, image controls and steps
provided in FIGS. 1-11 may be implemented in whole or in part in
hardware, software or a combination of both.
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